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Is it really THAT SERIOUS??????
- Thread starter two fingers
- Start date
- Status
What if beeing a musician is your full time job? If you miss a gig and the band cant find a replacment, then they dont get any money.
Also missing gigs just because you didnt feel like it damages your nane as a musician and will make people less eager to work with you and less trusting of you.
Sure its not like we're saving lives but damn it this is my job and im proud of it! Yes it is serious to miss a gig because you wanted to go to a barbara streisand concert. If you dont want to do it then find other ways to spend your days
Also missing gigs just because you didnt feel like it damages your nane as a musician and will make people less eager to work with you and less trusting of you.
Sure its not like we're saving lives but damn it this is my job and im proud of it! Yes it is serious to miss a gig because you wanted to go to a barbara streisand concert. If you dont want to do it then find other ways to spend your days
This is one part of TB I don't like, I never have, and it's always something that keeps me from getting into TB like I do some other forums. Lots of members here (not everyone, but lots) see nothing but money and insane amounts of commitment that for someone like me seems kinda ridiculous, especially in weekend warrior situations.
I play in 4 semi-regularly gigging bands, study full time, and have a part time job. Evidently something will need to give eventually, and all my bands know that they are the first on the chopping block. Between the bands they know that it's first come first serve unless I can find a sub for one but not the other. Like the other week I had a two gigs that clashed, one on trombone the other on bass. I had 4 trombonists who would already be there I could ask to sub 2 of which were better players than I am, whereas I would have had to do a full ring around to see who's available for bass and all but one or two bassists I know aren't even close to my skill level.
I do however think it's kind of a poor effort when someone can't make a gig and they don't at least try to find a sub. I always tell my BL for whichever band it is as soon as I know that I'll be missing a gig, and the first thing I say after that is "Do you need me to find a sub?". Some of them know more capable players than I do so they tell me no, but if I'm asked to find a sub I will call anyone I know to see if they can fill in.
I play in 4 semi-regularly gigging bands, study full time, and have a part time job. Evidently something will need to give eventually, and all my bands know that they are the first on the chopping block. Between the bands they know that it's first come first serve unless I can find a sub for one but not the other. Like the other week I had a two gigs that clashed, one on trombone the other on bass. I had 4 trombonists who would already be there I could ask to sub 2 of which were better players than I am, whereas I would have had to do a full ring around to see who's available for bass and all but one or two bassists I know aren't even close to my skill level.
I do however think it's kind of a poor effort when someone can't make a gig and they don't at least try to find a sub. I always tell my BL for whichever band it is as soon as I know that I'll be missing a gig, and the first thing I say after that is "Do you need me to find a sub?". Some of them know more capable players than I do so they tell me no, but if I'm asked to find a sub I will call anyone I know to see if they can fill in.
+1 on the TB remark.
I don't see anything wrong with how you are going about things.
It's somewhat surprising that Bluewine hasn't posted anything yet, but I'm fairly certain what it might say....perhaps Mellowinman subbed for him this thread.
You shouldn't let your band book a gig if you know you can't make it.
You are a part of the band, and if you all cannot make it, then it shouldn't be made a commitment in my opinion.
Also, since you're speaking on a clearly non-professional, non-touring (non-original?) stand-point, your 'everyone gets at least one day off' argument falls really flat. Because unless you're in a band that plays 3+ shows a week / touring with the guys, then you band guys have MOST of the days of your life off.
If it's too much of a drag to make one night or two out of your (obviously) loaded schedule / leisure time, then why join a band / be a filler / make a commitment? And that's not just for a band situation, that's all matters of commitment in life.
I understand being older, things happen with family. But I assure you if someone called me up and said they weren't making a show because they wanted some time off to go to the beach, they wouldn't be getting a call for the next show / practice. That's just bad time management.
/rant
You are a part of the band, and if you all cannot make it, then it shouldn't be made a commitment in my opinion.
Also, since you're speaking on a clearly non-professional, non-touring (non-original?) stand-point, your 'everyone gets at least one day off' argument falls really flat. Because unless you're in a band that plays 3+ shows a week / touring with the guys, then you band guys have MOST of the days of your life off.
If it's too much of a drag to make one night or two out of your (obviously) loaded schedule / leisure time, then why join a band / be a filler / make a commitment? And that's not just for a band situation, that's all matters of commitment in life.
I understand being older, things happen with family. But I assure you if someone called me up and said they weren't making a show because they wanted some time off to go to the beach, they wouldn't be getting a call for the next show / practice. That's just bad time management.
/rant
My boss and co-workers would probably say, "Have fun on your vacation. See you when you get back."
There is a difference between bailing on a commitment and taking scheduled time off.
Our band is pretty easy going about missing a gig or two. The BL has a long list of subs, all very capable. None of us miss more than a couple or three gigs a year (we work 4-6 times a month). Besides, we're always so glad to have a regular member back after an absence ... it "makes the heart grow fonder" ... or "ears", at least!
Haha. I think we need a Talkbass-specific version of Godwin's law. Just replace "Hitler" with "originals".
My band books shows in advance. All of us know when the gigs are and have made the commitment to be there. Emergencies happen and well all get that. We have yet to miss a show because of that.
We practice one day a week. It isn't all day, it's usually from 2 to 6. Yes we have members that miss a practice here and there, but that happens and I try not to get too bent out of shape about that. I am there every week without fail unless it is something I know about ahead of time. Well ahead of time.
It gets to me because if music is something that is important to you in life, you should make time for it. My girlfriend knows that I am gone sunday afternoon and if that makes her mad she needs to find a non-musician to date.
If music is what your passionate about in your life then you find people that feel the same way to gig with. If someone is missing gigs and it isn't an emergency, then they have to go. We don't play 4 nights a week, we play 3 or 4 times a month. If you can't make a commitment to that, then why are you in a band to begin with? Get a drum machine and play at home by yourself or find other people that want to jam from time to time.
We practice one day a week. It isn't all day, it's usually from 2 to 6. Yes we have members that miss a practice here and there, but that happens and I try not to get too bent out of shape about that. I am there every week without fail unless it is something I know about ahead of time. Well ahead of time.
It gets to me because if music is something that is important to you in life, you should make time for it. My girlfriend knows that I am gone sunday afternoon and if that makes her mad she needs to find a non-musician to date.
If music is what your passionate about in your life then you find people that feel the same way to gig with. If someone is missing gigs and it isn't an emergency, then they have to go. We don't play 4 nights a week, we play 3 or 4 times a month. If you can't make a commitment to that, then why are you in a band to begin with? Get a drum machine and play at home by yourself or find other people that want to jam from time to time.
Our band books most of our schedule for the entire year in January. That's about 50 gigs. Then there are the pop-up gigs (parties, anniversaries, banquets, etc) with less notice. If you have a family or other important obligations it's just plain impossible to know whether you'll be available on November 18th ... there's more to life than a band. Trust me.
Uh.... dude. You really really really need to get over yourself. A 'high level' cover band? *** is that? To say that guys playing in bar/private party/small festival cover band aren't really a band is SUCH a load of crap. And to imply that you aren't serious and talented if you don't play in an originals band is an even bigger load. I'm pretty tired of that vibe that certain TB'ers put out there.
In terms of missing gigs-we are in a small market. Subs? Wow! Wish that was even an option. If one of us can't make it, we don't play. Played a gig in Dec - the lead singer and I were both sick as heck with the flu - but we played the gig.
In terms of missing gigs-we are in a small market. Subs? Wow! Wish that was even an option. If one of us can't make it, we don't play. Played a gig in Dec - the lead singer and I were both sick as heck with the flu - but we played the gig.
I really don't understand this rant. It's simple. If you are in a band and agree to take a gig, you should make every effort to be there. Some of us are not in the position to use subs.
However, if you don't like being tied down, work as a fill-in or join a band that's okay with your impromptu beach vacations...
Whatever works for you, just do that... which may (WILL) be different for others.
However, if you don't like being tied down, work as a fill-in or join a band that's okay with your impromptu beach vacations...
Whatever works for you, just do that... which may (WILL) be different for others.
I know I wouldn't want to be in a band that got bent out of shape if I couldn't make it due to important reasons. I could see if it was the day of the gig and I "just didnt feeeel like it", but if me, wife, or kids got sick, hurt, etc...so long gig. And just to be clear, 3 years ago I had an unexplained seizure, was in the hospital for two days, got out and gigged that night with two broken vertebrae (seized so hard I cracked two bones...never did find out the reason for the seizure)
+1
My band plays out about 2-3 times a month.
Before we start scheduling gigs everybody in the band puts their "black out dates" on a calender.
So if your going on vacation , or to the beach for a weekend,..or as someone said.."just want to go hiking"... these dates are known dates that our band will not schedule a gig.
That means: any other date that is not marked as black out, all the bandmembers are available...and we schedule gigs accordingly. Also, the way we roll is , when a gig opportunity comes up, it gets run by everybody anyway, just to make sure were all avail for said date. That also gives members an opportunity to make sure they are free that night...or that the girlfiend didnt want to "go to the city" that night or something. It's a pretty good (and fair) system.
That also means, once you agree to play on said date..you actually show up to play. Barring emergencies of course, but, that should be a given. Not because you feel like going hiking..or watching a movie with your loved one.
Why the F&^% would you commit to something and then just "change your mind" and feel like you don't want to do it?
I guess to some people that sounds like asking too much?..
If someone "didn't feel like" showing up, and you can't get a replacement.Then we cancel the gig?.. then the bar is Pi$$ed at a no show band...then the agent is pi$$ed and gets a bad rep if he cant find a replacement band.
We do covers, with our own "touch", so a sub probably couldn't just walk in and know how we arranged them.
We only canceled a show 1 time since we've been together,(due to an emergency with a band member) and WE got a replacement band for that night. (local band friends)
Also.. I want to point out (as someone mentioned) if your gigging 4-5 nights a week, its much more likely that things will come up more often...so..ya know YMMV and the rest.
wow, this was sposda be just a quick reply, and now look. ..
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
There are lots and lots of people who are often late for work, and who don't think much of calling in sick. I know them. I work with them. I have family members like that. They all think it's everybody else's problem when they're late, or can't show up. People shouldn't get upset with them. It's life. Others should learn to deal with it.
I think those people are incredibly selfish and self centered.
Add to that the fact that unlike most jobs where the wheel will usually keep spinning without one's presence, in a band situation it won't. You're almost always letting down at least 4 other people, and then getting an attitude about it, on top. Other people often make sacrifices in order to take a gig, that you're deciding at the last minute isn't all that important. And you're deciding it for everyone. I think people who think it ain't no big thing really ought to rethink this one. Unfortunately it's rare that anyone comes here and says, you know, maybe I am wrong on this one. :/ And yes, I have done that.
To save pointless argument, I'm not talking about when a sub is available. Then it isn't a big thing, and I don't think anyone is arguing that. I don't think it's a big thing either if you simply can't make a gig, and say so before it's booked. But if someone that I'm playing with commits to a gig, there is no possibility of finding a sub, and they bail because their friend is visiting from texas or their girlfriend/wife really wanted to do something else - that's the last time I'm playing with them. The only reason to not play in that kind of situation is if they can't. Period.
If others here are hobbyists and find other hobbyists who feel the same as them, then that's great too. So long as everyone is ont he same page.
I think those people are incredibly selfish and self centered.
Add to that the fact that unlike most jobs where the wheel will usually keep spinning without one's presence, in a band situation it won't. You're almost always letting down at least 4 other people, and then getting an attitude about it, on top. Other people often make sacrifices in order to take a gig, that you're deciding at the last minute isn't all that important. And you're deciding it for everyone. I think people who think it ain't no big thing really ought to rethink this one. Unfortunately it's rare that anyone comes here and says, you know, maybe I am wrong on this one. :/ And yes, I have done that.
To save pointless argument, I'm not talking about when a sub is available. Then it isn't a big thing, and I don't think anyone is arguing that. I don't think it's a big thing either if you simply can't make a gig, and say so before it's booked. But if someone that I'm playing with commits to a gig, there is no possibility of finding a sub, and they bail because their friend is visiting from texas or their girlfriend/wife really wanted to do something else - that's the last time I'm playing with them. The only reason to not play in that kind of situation is if they can't. Period.
If others here are hobbyists and find other hobbyists who feel the same as them, then that's great too. So long as everyone is ont he same page.
- Jul 30, 2006
- 2,315
- 453
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist:Regenerate Guitar Works Carvin, Micheal Kelly Guitars
Others may miss gigs because of a hangnail or whatever. Not me. Gigs are what I do. If the newspaper says I'm gonna be somewhere there are people who will go out of their way to be there. They are depending (along with the rest of the band and club) on me being there. i don't take that lightly. If you do, you won't be playing very long with me. I understand some things cannot be fixed or ignored, but if you just decide you wanna go to the beach or watch the ball game or have "allergies"......that don't cut it with me. I don't really care if you agree.
I currently play with two different trios, thats basically what gets booked around here if it's not a solo. These groups play covers at restaurants and private events. Both groups also include the same drummer. The third person is a male guitarist/singer in one and a female singer/key/guitar in the other. Both of them do solo jobs when the trio is not booked.
We have a seasonal economy here and since October I've played right around 100 gigs split between the two and our season still has a couple of months to go.
If one of us needs a night off it's understood. A wedding to attend, family emergency, important things. Generally it's handled with plenty of notice and a trusted sub is booked. Of course being season we all try not to do that too often, we need to take the work when we can get it and we get steady bookings because it's known that we always deliver. If no sub is available you play your gig. I'm lucky enough to have a few guys that I can call to sub for me if needed.
The same goes for the venues that we are playing. I'm lucky enough to be playing at the same place 4 nights in a row every week this year. They(and us too) want to book the whole season if possible. It's understood that if a wedding gig or lucrative private party comes up that we will probably go play it but in that instance we are responsible for getting another band, approved by the establishment, to fill in for us. As a way to show some loyalty we have a minimum amount that we will take to go play another gig. We are not going to sub out a night to make an extra 50 or even 100 per person. It has to be at least double.
It's a pretty good arrangement but requires that everyone involved conduct themselves in a professional manner. Just because musicians can be flakes does not mean that you have to surround yourself with those types of musicians.
We have a seasonal economy here and since October I've played right around 100 gigs split between the two and our season still has a couple of months to go.
If one of us needs a night off it's understood. A wedding to attend, family emergency, important things. Generally it's handled with plenty of notice and a trusted sub is booked. Of course being season we all try not to do that too often, we need to take the work when we can get it and we get steady bookings because it's known that we always deliver. If no sub is available you play your gig. I'm lucky enough to have a few guys that I can call to sub for me if needed.
The same goes for the venues that we are playing. I'm lucky enough to be playing at the same place 4 nights in a row every week this year. They(and us too) want to book the whole season if possible. It's understood that if a wedding gig or lucrative private party comes up that we will probably go play it but in that instance we are responsible for getting another band, approved by the establishment, to fill in for us. As a way to show some loyalty we have a minimum amount that we will take to go play another gig. We are not going to sub out a night to make an extra 50 or even 100 per person. It has to be at least double.
It's a pretty good arrangement but requires that everyone involved conduct themselves in a professional manner. Just because musicians can be flakes does not mean that you have to surround yourself with those types of musicians.
Randy is the bassist for Pina Colada Deathpunks. A local '70's classic rock cover band.
Randy decides to skip Friday's gig to go on a date with Sheila.
Steve is the sub Randy got to fill in for the gig. Interestingly, Steve has never heard the song "Freebird"
Friday comes and Pina Colada Deathpunks are rocking the house.
at 10:26, Gary, a drunk in the audience yells "FRREEEEEEEEEEBIIIIIIIIRRRRD!"
Freebird was not on the set list. Steve panics and looks at the guitarist as the song starts.
The guitarist tells him G,C, and D. But Steve misheard him and played B by mistake.
Gary, the Skynrd fan, yells "NOOOOOOOOOO!" and throws his arms up knocking over a waitresses tray.
The tray, full of drinks, falls on Paul, a local cabbie, who never drinks, but loves the band.
On the way home, Paul is stopped at a seat belt checkpoint the police have setup.
Francis, a rookie police officer smells alcohol from Paul's shirt and arrests him on the spot.
Paul spends the night in jail and cannot phone his lawyer until morning.
John, a surgeon, gets an emergency page to board a flight to Singapore at 8:15AM
Peter, John's son arrives in a tow truck pulling his dad's SUV which he wrecked last night.
Danny, who runs the local taxi takes John's call and dispatches Paul to pick him up.
Paul is not in his taxi.
Danny hears a "10-4" over the radio, but sadly the voice that he hears is in his own head.
Years of running a taxi service has made Danny schizophrenic, and this was his first audible hallucination.
John misses his flight.
At 8:16 flight 1230 to Singapore departs on schedule.
Constance, one of the flight attendants, serves a pack of peanuts and a coke to Billy, a 10 year old kid.
Billy struggles to open his pack of peanuts and accidentally rips the whole package sending peanuts everywhere.
Eunice, an elderly lady who is taking her meds does not notice the peanut flying into her cup of pills.
Eunice is allergic to peanuts and her throat swells shut around some food during her in flight snack.
Constance yells out for a doctor, but there is none on board.
Meanwhile, John is booking a different flight to Singapore.
Constance alerts the pilot, Reginald, who served in the war.
Reginald knows exactly what to do, but can't leave the cockpit without a copilot.
Larry, the co-pilot, is joining the mile-high club with Candice, another stewardess.
Reginald pages Larry.
Reginald notes the weather is perfect and the air is smooth.
Reginald pages Larry.
Reginald remembers what his mother told him right before she died.
Reginald pages Larry.
She told him that every life is precious, and he should never have gone to war.
Reginald pages Larry
Candice says "Larry!"
Reginald remembers mom telling him he should have been a doctor instead.
Reginald pages "Larry"
Candice yells "Larry!"
Reginald remembers assisting a surgeon perform a simple tracheotomy in battle.
Reginald pages Larry
Candice screams "Oh Larry, Larry, LARRY, LARRY!!!"
Constance informs the pilot the woman's name was Eunice
Eunice was also Reginald's mother's name.
Reginald puts the plane on autopilot and breaks protocol by leaving the cockpit unmanned
Eunice is saved by an emergency tracheotomy.
An eagle flies into the left engine.
The plane lurches and the door to the cockpit slams shut.
... and locks.
Sheila greets her co-workers with a smile as she settles in behind her desk.
Timothy, her co-anchor say's my you are looking happy today. Good night last night?
Sheila smirks while focusing in to read the teleprompter.
And 3, 2, 1.....
"Good Evening. Our top story tonight: Thousands dead this morning in Singapore as flight 1230 collided into the United Overseas Bank Plaza One building killing all 63 people on board, toppling the skyscraper which fell sideways into 3 other blocks of buildings in the downtown area. Details are unclear as to what may have caused the crash, but it is suspected to be an act of terrorism.
The United States Homeland Security Advisory System has raised it's threat level to Orange."
--------------------------------------------------
TL : DR - Thousands of people could die if you miss a gig or don't know how to play Freebird.
Randy decides to skip Friday's gig to go on a date with Sheila.
Steve is the sub Randy got to fill in for the gig. Interestingly, Steve has never heard the song "Freebird"
Friday comes and Pina Colada Deathpunks are rocking the house.
at 10:26, Gary, a drunk in the audience yells "FRREEEEEEEEEEBIIIIIIIIRRRRD!"
Freebird was not on the set list. Steve panics and looks at the guitarist as the song starts.
The guitarist tells him G,C, and D. But Steve misheard him and played B by mistake.
Gary, the Skynrd fan, yells "NOOOOOOOOOO!" and throws his arms up knocking over a waitresses tray.
The tray, full of drinks, falls on Paul, a local cabbie, who never drinks, but loves the band.
On the way home, Paul is stopped at a seat belt checkpoint the police have setup.
Francis, a rookie police officer smells alcohol from Paul's shirt and arrests him on the spot.
Paul spends the night in jail and cannot phone his lawyer until morning.
John, a surgeon, gets an emergency page to board a flight to Singapore at 8:15AM
Peter, John's son arrives in a tow truck pulling his dad's SUV which he wrecked last night.
Danny, who runs the local taxi takes John's call and dispatches Paul to pick him up.
Paul is not in his taxi.
Danny hears a "10-4" over the radio, but sadly the voice that he hears is in his own head.
Years of running a taxi service has made Danny schizophrenic, and this was his first audible hallucination.
John misses his flight.
At 8:16 flight 1230 to Singapore departs on schedule.
Constance, one of the flight attendants, serves a pack of peanuts and a coke to Billy, a 10 year old kid.
Billy struggles to open his pack of peanuts and accidentally rips the whole package sending peanuts everywhere.
Eunice, an elderly lady who is taking her meds does not notice the peanut flying into her cup of pills.
Eunice is allergic to peanuts and her throat swells shut around some food during her in flight snack.
Constance yells out for a doctor, but there is none on board.
Meanwhile, John is booking a different flight to Singapore.
Constance alerts the pilot, Reginald, who served in the war.
Reginald knows exactly what to do, but can't leave the cockpit without a copilot.
Larry, the co-pilot, is joining the mile-high club with Candice, another stewardess.
Reginald pages Larry.
Reginald notes the weather is perfect and the air is smooth.
Reginald pages Larry.
Reginald remembers what his mother told him right before she died.
Reginald pages Larry.
She told him that every life is precious, and he should never have gone to war.
Reginald pages Larry
Candice says "Larry!"
Reginald remembers mom telling him he should have been a doctor instead.
Reginald pages "Larry"
Candice yells "Larry!"
Reginald remembers assisting a surgeon perform a simple tracheotomy in battle.
Reginald pages Larry
Candice screams "Oh Larry, Larry, LARRY, LARRY!!!"
Constance informs the pilot the woman's name was Eunice
Eunice was also Reginald's mother's name.
Reginald puts the plane on autopilot and breaks protocol by leaving the cockpit unmanned
Eunice is saved by an emergency tracheotomy.
An eagle flies into the left engine.
The plane lurches and the door to the cockpit slams shut.
... and locks.
Sheila greets her co-workers with a smile as she settles in behind her desk.
Timothy, her co-anchor say's my you are looking happy today. Good night last night?
Sheila smirks while focusing in to read the teleprompter.
And 3, 2, 1.....
"Good Evening. Our top story tonight: Thousands dead this morning in Singapore as flight 1230 collided into the United Overseas Bank Plaza One building killing all 63 people on board, toppling the skyscraper which fell sideways into 3 other blocks of buildings in the downtown area. Details are unclear as to what may have caused the crash, but it is suspected to be an act of terrorism.
The United States Homeland Security Advisory System has raised it's threat level to Orange."
--------------------------------------------------
TL : DR - Thousands of people could die if you miss a gig or don't know how to play Freebird.
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